New multilayer food contact approved films claimed to be a breakthrough

Its range of Cardia Biohybrid based films comply with the European Commission standard 2002/72 EC for food contact and offer longer shelf life than conventional bioplastics together with greater sustainability, claims the company.

Based on a blend of thermoplastic starch with standard thermoplastics, the new range provides excellent clarity, and mechanical and processing properties, said Caria Bioplastics’ managing director Dr Frank Glatz.

Sustainable packaging ​

“This development enables customers to move confidently into more sustainable packaging solutions and opens significant new market opportunities for Cardia Bioplastics, which extend from commodity packaging into the food packaging industry​,” he said. “The sustainability benefit of Cardia Biohybrid multilayer film also offers food marketers packaging solutions with a competitive edge for their products​.”

The company says it has lodged provisional patents on its materials’ use in multilayer film extrusion.

The packaging industry has an estimated value of $180bn/year, according to the company. Renewable and sustainable packaging is showing particularly strong growth, it said. The company expects significant growth to continue driven by consumers, regulators and brand owners who will increasingly want packaging with a reduced carbon footprint and with environmental benefits.

Finished film​

Meanwhile, Cardia Bioplastics has confirmed that it plans to double the capacity of its plant in Nanjing, China. The company says it will expand beyond resin development and manufacture into processing of finished goods.

“We can help customers trial Cardia Compostable or Cardia Biohybrid materials through our product design, development and delivery service for finished film and bag goods,” said Glatz.
The company has also opened a research and development facility at its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.